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Firearms Publications

ATF occasionally issues publications to inform the industries it regulates and the general public about the laws and regulations administered and enforced by ATF. These include guidebooks, newsletters, brochures, studies, and reports.

Document type Title and Description
Regulatory 2004 - October - National - Improperly Destroyed Russian GP-30 Grenade Launcher [PDF - 542.27 KB]

The letter provides information on ATF's findings with regards to the improperly destroyed Russian GP-30 grenade launcher, which is classified as a destructive device.   

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - September - All FFLs - Expiration of the Ban on the Importation of SAWs and LCAFDs [PDF - 44.22 KB]

This open letter is to advise the import community of the provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 that no longer apply to the manufacture, transfer and possession of semiautomatic assault weapons (SAWs) and to transfer and possess large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFDs).

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004-5 - Mini-gun Ruling [PDF - 940.1 KB]

The 7.62mm Aircraft Machine Gun, identified in the U.S. military inventory as the "M-134" (Army), "GAU-2B/A" (Air Force), and "GAU-17/A" (Navy), is a machinegun as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(b). Rev. Rul. 55-528 modified.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - July - All FFLs - Third Anniversary of September 11 Attack [PDF - 28.79 KB]

 It will be 3 years this September since America was attacked. We at ATF remain vigilant, but we are requesting your assistance in our national effort to prevent terrorism.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - July - All FELs - ATF Director Letter to Explosives Industry to Be Aware and Be Secure [PDF - 165.56 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to advise Federal explosives industry licensees and permittees to remain diligent in security and protection of their explosives inventory. 

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - May - All FFLs - Importation of Articles Added by the Amendment to Annex A of the VRA [PDF - 42.08 KB]

A decision was agreed upon to amend Annex A of the Voluntary Restraint Agreement (VRA) by adding 74 types of firearms to the list. Please note, that even though these 74 firearms have been added to Annex A, ATF will still need to determine the importability of some of these firearms.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004-2 - Temporary Importation of Firearms Subject to the NFA [PDF - 350.21 KB]

Approved alternate method or procedure for importers to use when temporarily importing firearms subject to the NFA, the GCA and the Arms Export Control Act for inspection, testing, calibration, repair, or incorporation into another defense article.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - March - Michigan - Curbing the Flow of Illegal Crime Guns [PDF - 74.97 KB]

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of ATF's continued commitment and strong partnership with the Michigan firearms industry and to request your assistance in combating the illegal traffic and use of firearms.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - March - Michigan - All FFLs - Michigan Concealed Pistol Permit Not an Alternative to NICS [PDF - 74.77 KB]

This open letter provides guidance regarding the use of a State of Michigan issued Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP, but commonly referred to as a CCW) and a License to Purchase a Pistol as alternatives to NICS background check.  

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - January - All FFLs - Importance of Partnerships Between ATF and the Firearms Industry [PDF - 94.99 KB]

This open letter discusses the importance of the partnerships that have been established between ATF and the firearms industry and to reinforce our joint responsibilities under the Gun Control Act (GCA).

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2003 - November - All FFLs - Procedural Guidance Regarding the Handling of ATF Form 4473 After a Firearms Transaction [PDF - 1.09 MB]

This letter serves to provide federal firearms licensees (FFLs) with procedural guidance regarding the handling of ATF From 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, after a firearm transaction has occurred. 

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2003 - October - Massachusetts - License to Carry No Longer an Alternative to NICS Check [PDF - 78.08 KB]

This open letter is to inform all Massachusetts federal firearms licensees that as of Oct. 21, 2003, all previously grandfathered Massachusetts licenses to carry will have expired. 

Published/Revised:

Last Updated: December 2, 2025

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